As part of the competition, we took the students to Stowe House on Thursday 2 May for a tour of the house and a day of art workshops. The workshops were run by their inhouse artist and included various sketching techniques, cross-stitch, collage, sculpture and gilding. During the workshops, the students had to respond to the three themes of Portraiture, Architecture and Restoration. Each workshop was situated in a different room in the house. The students were fantastic and really enjoyed the experience.

The students now have 6 weeks to produce a piece of artwork to submit to the competition, and we will be running weekly lunchtime sessions to help them achieve this. The artworks will be taken to Stowe House by the Visual Art department before the deadline.

Stowe House will then host a Private View and awards ceremony in the evening on Monday 15 July, for all students, parents and staff to attend.

Year 11 students were presented with the exciting opportunity to watch Romeo and Juliet performed at the Globe Theatre in London. The play, set in 2024, was a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy about two star-crossed lovers; including ominously dressed BMX bikers and leads romancing in joggers and puffer jackets. And lots of cell phones.

The production subverted expectations of a Eurocentric Shakespearean tragedy by featuring a diverse cast: Romeo was portrayed by the talented Hayden Mampasi; Juliet by Felixe Forde; and most surprisingly, gender-bent Benvolio and Friar Lawrence, brilliantly portrayed by Saroja Lily-Ratnavel and Marieme Diouf, respectively. Other honourable mentions include the stellar performances by actors playing Lord Capulet who left some of us quaking with his tremendous portrayal of a temperamental Capulet; Mercutio, with his animated, nimble movement across the wooden stage; and the Nurse (whose character was interpreted quite literally as an NHS nurse!) Students and staff were literally immersed in the play as the cast interacted with students and staff, leaving us smiling, gasping, and even blushing, as they winked and joked with us.

Music and set design were incredibly executed. Students were greeted with graffiti of words associated with Romeo and Juliet, such as ‘civil,’ ‘villain,’ ‘love’ and ‘hate,’ giving us an indication of the play’s underlying tone and aesthetic. The musicians that worked behind the scenes controlled the ambiance with their crashing cymbals and drums calling for celebration or tense anticipation. The dances and sequences were perfectly co-ordinated, and the audience particularly enjoyed Juliet’s eclectic hallucination of her dreaded wedding day.

The structure of the Globe Theatre and its features that replicate the original establishment allowed students to experience the play as ‘groundlings’: we stood for the entire duration of the 90-minute play; which, albeit quite tedious sometimes, allowed us to gain authentic insight into the lives of a contemporary Elizabethan audience and allowed us to put ourselves in their shoes.

Overall, I would say that the experience was incredible; it was a great privilege to see immense talent at work, blending boundaries of culture and time. The production helped us understand the themes of the play better by basing a 16^th century text in a more contemporary context.

But as Shakespeare so eloquently put it: “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

Written by: A Mathew (Year 11 student)

It was an excellent day, where students were able to see a range of professionals and industry experts dancing on the main stage, giving talks at the discovery stage, and taking part in professional-led dance masterclasses which the students thoroughly enjoyed. 

It was also inspirational for the students to talk to and get information from prospective training providers and stage schools encouraging our students to aim high and plan their next steps in the dance industry. It was a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable day for all and was an excellent showcase of all things dance.

The purpose of the visit was for students to gather contextual reference materials for either their Year 13 exam projects, or for Year 12 students' coursework projects. In their upcoming lessons, students will now begin to present their findings in their portfolios and develop ideas from this research.

All of the students were impeccably behaved and had a fantastic time during the trip, with an added treat of stopping at the motorway services on the return journey home for some fast food proving very popular!

One of the highlights of the day was the students' access to the university's dark room facilities. This unique opportunity allowed them to experiment with traditional film-based photography techniques, offering a hands-on experience that complements their classroom learning. The dark room session helped to deepen their understanding of the art, and also provided a chance for creative exploration.

The students also got to hear from a special guest, an ex-CCS student who is currently in his second year at University, studying Photography. Sharing his story served as both inspiration and motivation for our aspiring photographers. His insights into navigating the transition from school to university, along with tips for building a career in Photography, left a lasting impression on the Year 12 students.

Led by the BA Hons Photography course leader, the group later got stuck into a special masterclass, gaining further insight into studio photography techniques, lighting setups, and composition. They then had the chance to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, gaining confidence and proficiency in using professional equipment.

The students thoroughly enjoyed their time at the University of Northampton and were able to produce impressive pieces of work during the day, including a collection of beautiful photographs they proudly took away with them.

A huge thank you to the University of Northampton for hosting us and providing our Year 12 Photography students with a wonderful experience. The trip was a resounding success, providing a fantastic opportunity for our students to continue to develop their passion for the art of Photography and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

Our Year 7 students, armed with a clipboard and a pencil, had the task of completing a treasure hunt, which involved finding facts about specific works of art in various rooms, navigating their way around the gallery. During drawing activities, groups of students were found absorbed, gazing at art works that they had only previously seen on screens, they were so excited to see familiar works such as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, up close.

After a packed lunch and a trip to the gift shop, the afternoon was spent in the recently refurbished National Portrait Gallery. Beginning with a trip to the education rooms, we were greeted by a member of staff who chatted to everyone about portraits and the type of portraits that can be found in the gallery. The students had plenty of opportunities to get involved with the interactive displays, and found being turned into a portrait of a King or Queen very amusing.

A firm favourite in the Portrait Gallery was the exhibition Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation, which had been commission by King Charles.

A prize of chocolates was awarded to the person who created a great drawing (Congratulations Angelina) and house points were awarded to two students who completed the treasure hunt fully.

After an amazing day, we all got on the coach, which unfortunately hit one traffic jam after another. The students were amazing and behaved brilliantly after such a long journey home. We would like to pass on our thanks to the parents and guardians who patiently waited for our late return.

The story is told through the eyes of Judas, in Jesus’ last days before his death and is a sung-through musical which was a new concept to many of the students. The students' conduct was exemplary (with an usher commenting on how fantastic they’d all been) and those who had been to ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ earlier in the year with us were pleased to see one of the cast from that musical playing Jesus. Thank you to parents and carers for bringing them and fetching them from the theatre.

The group enjoyed a picturesque river cruise down the River Seine, a visit to the palace of Versailles and the Pompidou Centre, along with its contemporary art gallery, as well as some free time spent soaking in the sights at the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

For the final day, students explored the Sacre Coeur and the Louvre, before heading home Sunday morning - we hope you've all had a great trip!

The students started their day in the town of Oświęcim (Auschwitz) where they visited the local synagogue. Here they were able to see pre Jewish life in a town that had a high percentage of Jewish people and understand the vibrant background of a group that has been persecuted for years. They then continued to Auschwitz 1, receiving a tour from a historian and Rabbi, visiting cell blocks, the execution post and seeing exhibits of possessions - the proof of these atrocities.

Students were able to enter the gas chamber and crematorium at Auschwitz 1, the only remaining crematoria on site. The experience was hard hitting and difficult at times, but the students understood the significance and importance of visiting such sites. The focus was on humanising the Jewish people who suffered at Auschwitz and telling the forgotten story.

We then moved onto Auschwitz 2 where students saw the vast site of Birkenau, with 1.5km of wooden barracks, stretching as far as the eye can see. Our students at this site focused on the testimonies of the survivors and all three students took part in reading out these testimonies to the group. The day finished with a ceremony lead by Rabbi Eckstein, who sang the holocaust memorial prayer in Hebrew. Students lit a candle during this ceremony and laid it at the end of the railway line. A significant day for students, who now have been given the task of creating a project to continue the education of the holocaust further to our school community.

We are delighted to be able to, once again, offer these extra-curricular enhancement activities, which give the students a much fuller and broader educational experience. We have sent out a letter to all parents of Year 11 Fine Art and Photography students with dates of exams and deadlines for both exam projects and coursework. During the exam project, which students will complete towards the end of April, we are offering after-school sessions on Mondays and Thursdays for all our KS4 students to catch up on or extend their learning, and we sincerely hope students take advantage of this offer.

Please do check out the photos below to see some of the wonderful pieces of artwork students had the chance to view during the trip.

- The Visual Art Department

We arrived as the park was opening, and after a brief stroll through security (happy to report no incidents!) we made it into the park, and went off in groups to enjoy the fun.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at a 'Hyper Market'/Mall, which has to be one of the biggest shopping centres many of us have ever been in.

A late return to the hotel, with everyone tired and ready for bed. Tomorrow, we visit our final Christmas Market in Arras before catching the ferry home!

After this humbling experience, we went to Braunschweig to enjoy the beautiful Christmas market. What a cacophony of sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.... if we weren't ready for Santa before, we certainly are now! Sausages, churros and McDonald's delicacies were all sampled. The town is absolutely gorgeous. 

Back at the hostel, we feasted and then Mr Walker and Mr Scott went on a night-time jaunt to the local Christmas market in Wolfsburg with those who hadn't quite 'shopped-out' earlier. Mrs Husband and Mrs Brown stayed with the others at the hostel and enjoyed tea. Oh, and we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to the birthday girl... 16 in Wolfsburg. A birthday to remember. 

Onwards we went to the River Seine, where we boarded a boat to take in the sights from a lower perspective. A river tour from the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame.

We stopped for lunch alongside the Seine, before heading over the Louvre. The students rushed through to see the Mona Lisa, and other famous works of art.

By then the afternoon was getting on, and we headed into the Christmas Market in the Louvre Gardens.

On our way back, we stopped to see one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, just in time to see the light show begin. Our coach driver, Phil, then braved the Arc de Triomphe traffic to give us a close up view of this famous Paris landmark.

Tired and hungry, we went back home to the hotel. Tomorrow, Euro Disney awaits! 

We finally arrived and walked up the many steps to the cathedral- stopping for a photo along the way…

Staff and students are currently getting excited for the 2022 trip to Germany.

Don't forget to check your packing lists and remember to bring your Christmas spirit, maybe some snacks and a good book for the journey!

We will be leaving school tomorrow at 12:00 and should arrive in Wolfsburg at about 20:30. 

Regularly updates will appear here throughout the trip. 

The journey there and back was smooth sailing and provided opportunities for refreshments and lots of laughter.

The poetry conference itself was excellent with opportunities to speak to the actual poets who students study, buy their poetry collections and even get them signed by the poets. All three of the studied poets who discussed their poems Patience Agbabi, Vikki Feaver and Ian Duhig, were fascinating in their own unique ways.

Students and teachers alike were encouraged to spend two minutes writing an Ode to something random during a discussion of Tim Turnbull’s Ode on a Grayson Perry Urn and one of these have been included below for your enjoyment!

The students were a delight and members of the public commented on how good they thought their direct observation drawing was... clearly, we have some very good budding young artists at CCS. We wanted to thank parents for supporting this visit and giving the students the opportunity of such a rewarding and enriching experience.

In the morning, after packing our cases and vacating the rooms, we headed out to meet the Spanish students again or to visit the local shopping centre for some last minute gift buying. We met again at the beautiful market in the centre of town where students were encouraged to try something new for lunch, a Spanish speciality. 

After lunch, students could choose to chill by the pool, shop if they hadn't already or siesta. We were all really exhausted by then. 

Then finally we were on our way home! A coach journey, flight and another coach journey later and at 1.15am on Sunday 9^th October, we all arrived safely back into the school car park.

100% of the students who completed the feedback form said they would recommend the trip and the vast majority spoke more Spanish than they expected and felt a lot more positive towards their Spanish studies now. For me, that is a huge success. But what made this trip most special, was the students themselves. They behaved so very well throughout our 5 days away and were such good company. They did themselves, their families and the school proud.

At 10pm, we set off on my personal highlight of the trip. CCS is extremely fortunate to have links with Institut Antoni de Martí y Franques because, through those links, we had the rare opportunity to view one of the Colla Castelleras (Human Castle Schools) rehearse its towers. To see the strength, agility and, above all, team work of the Castellers was a real privilege, and we were all extremely impressed. The evening may be a once in a lifetime experience for some.

We had a guided tour of beautiful Tarragona in the morning and shortly after we set off visiting the Roman sites and the cathedral while learning about the importance of Tarragona in the region. The views from the top of the King's Castle across all of Tarragona were spectacular.

Then we set off for Sitges, another seaside town along the coast. Students had a really chilled afternoon which included a little shopping, beach football, paddling in the sea and relaxing in the sunshine.

Once again our students did us proud and our guides in Tarragona, who are also teachers, commented on how well they conducted themselves around the city. 

Star of the day today has to be Mr Colman who provided the much loved coach disco on the way back to the hotel, although his choice of music did sometimes leave much to be desired.

We managed to squeeze in a sneaky photo stop at the literally awesome Sagrada Familia. Most students were blown away, but some were more attracted to the Urban Wear shop we happened to be stood near! Ah, to be a teenager again!

Park Güell was beautiful. Beautiful colours and architecture everywhere with plenty of instagrammable spots to please all taste. And the view across Barcelona was immense.

Off to the holy grail of Catalonian football, Camp Nou, particularly appreciated by JJ and not at all by the Real Madrid loving Hugo who really suffered. 

Then back to the hotel for swimming time, a supermarket visit and dinner.

Fabulously entertaining quiz by Mr Colman rounded off an amazing day.

Again, the students did us proud and the guides in Park Güell commented on how well-behaved they were compared to their usual student groups.

Lots more Spanish spoken today. The students are becoming more confident, and we are all so proud of them for giving it a go.

Star of the day and best dressed man goes to birthday boy, Sarang.

After a quick stop at our rather lovely hotel, we headed straight out to find some lunch. Walking up the long, straight Rambla Nova, we stopped at the very top to admire the stunning view over the Mediterranean. 

After a short R & R break back at the hotel for students to have a siesta or a dip in the pool, we met up with the Spanish students which was a huge success and probably the highlight of the day. Some real friendships developed that evening... lots of Spanish was spoken and arrangements have been made for further meetings later this week.

We arrived back for dinner at 8pm, a buffet style arrangement with plenty of choice for everyone, before an early night after our very long day and ready for an early morning start.

The students were all amazing, and we were so impressed with their behaviour in spite of their tiredness. Stars of the day were Hugo for his amazing translation help, the girls who generously helped and supported a friend in need (I don’t want to forget anyone but you were amazing) and Jack who is practically fluent now).